How to say “always” in Chinese with 总 (zǒng)
总 (zǒng) + Verb Phrase
总 (zǒng) — always, all the time
总 (zǒng) + Verb Phrase
HSK 5Adverbs总 (zǒng) — always, all the time
Rule structure
总 (zǒng) means "always, invariably". As 总是 (zǒngshì) it’s habitual. In advanced use, it can mean "after all" (总归 (zǒngguī)) or "at least" (总得 (zǒng de)).
Rule structure
总 (zǒng) means "always, invariably". As 总是 (zǒngshì) it’s habitual. In advanced use, it can mean "after all" (总归 (zǒngguī)) or "at least" (总得 (zǒng de)).
Examples
他总是不听劝。
Tā zǒngshì bù tīng quàn.
He always ignores advice.
Examples
他总是不听劝。
Tā zǒngshì bù tīng quàn.
He always ignores advice.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “always, all the time” in Chinese with 总?
Use the structure: 总 (zǒng) + Verb Phrase. For example: 他总是不听劝。 — “He always ignores advice.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他总是不听劝。 — “He always ignores advice.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
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More HSK 5 grammar rules
还…呢 — still in progress
Subj. + 还 (hái) + Predicate + 呢 (ne)
干脆 — just do it
干脆 (gāncuì) + Verb Phrase
都…还 — already, and still
Subj. + 都 (dōu) + Predicate
再也不 — never again
Subj. + 再也 (zài yě) + 不 (bù) + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
再不 — last chance with “if not… then…”
Subj. + 再不 (zài bù) + Verb Phrase, 就 (jiù) + result
好不容易 — difficulty, “finally”
好不容易 (hǎo bù róngyì) / 好容易 (hǎo róngyì) + 才 (cái) + Verb Phrase
白 — wasted effort
白 (bái) + Verb Phrase
毕竟 — after all
毕竟 (bìjìng) + Clause